Jacksonville is a golfer’s paradise, offering world-class golf courses, scenic coastal layouts, and championship-level greens. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, the city has a variety of courses suited to all skill levels.
This guide highlights the top golf courses in Jacksonville, from public links to exclusive private clubs, helping you plan your next round of golf.
TPC Sawgrass – The Stadium Course
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach
Why Play Here: Home to THE PLAYERS Championship, TPC Sawgrass is one of the most famous golf courses in the world. The iconic 17th-hole island green is a bucket-list experience for any golfer.
Course Highlights:
- Designed by Pete Dye, known for challenging layouts.
- The par-3 17th hole is one of the most recognized holes in golf.
- Publicly accessible, but advanced booking is required.
Best For: Golfers looking for a PGA Tour-level experience.
World Golf Village – King & Bear Course
Location: St. Augustine (just south of Jacksonville)
Why Play Here: The only golf course co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, offering a mix of parkland-style holes and links-style play.
Course Highlights:
- Scenic fairways lined with live oaks and pine trees.
- Playable for all skill levels, with multiple tee boxes.
- Located near the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Best For: Golfers who enjoy classic course design with a historic touch.
World Golf Village – Slammer & Squire Course
Location: St. Augustine
Why Play Here: Designed by Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen, this course offers a mix of wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and water features.
Course Highlights:
- Great for mid-handicap golfers, with forgiving fairways.
- Stunning views of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
- Less challenging than King & Bear, but still fun to play.
Best For: Golfers looking for a resort-style course with a relaxed feel.
Jacksonville Golf & Country Club
Location: Southside Jacksonville
Why Play Here: A private, championship-caliber course designed by Clyde Johnston and Fuzzy Zoeller, offering pristine fairways and a traditional Florida golf experience.
Course Highlights:
- Well-maintained greens and challenging doglegs.
- Exclusive, private membership required.
- Features water hazards and bunkers that test accuracy.
Best For: Golfers looking for a private, members-only experience.
The Golf Club at South Hampton
Location: St. Johns, FL
Why Play Here: A well-balanced, public course designed by Mark McCumber, featuring wide fairways and strategic bunkering.
Course Highlights:
- Playable for all skill levels, with five different tee boxes.
- Well-maintained greens with a fair but challenging layout.
- One of the best-value public courses near Jacksonville.
Best For: A high-quality yet affordable round of golf.
Amelia River Golf Club
Location: Amelia Island
Why Play Here: A hidden gem, this semi-private course is known for scenic beauty, tree-lined fairways, and challenging par-3 holes.
Course Highlights:
- Designed to blend with the natural surroundings.
- Less crowded than other area courses.
- Strategic water hazards and undulating greens add difficulty.
Best For: Golfers looking for a quiet, relaxing round away from the city.
Bent Creek Golf Course
Location: West Jacksonville
Why Play Here: One of Jacksonville’s most affordable public courses, Bent Creek features a fun, well-maintained layout with rolling fairways.
Course Highlights:
- Par-71 layout with a mix of open and tree-lined holes.
- Budget-friendly rates for locals and visitors.
- Known for friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere.
Best For: Casual golfers looking for a fun, budget-friendly course.
Queen’s Harbour Yacht & Country Club
Location: Jacksonville
Why Play Here: A private, well-manicured course featuring marshland, lakes, and coastal breezes that add extra challenges to your round.
Course Highlights:
- A Mark McCumber-designed course with a unique layout.
- Challenging water hazards and doglegs.
- Private, but open for some public play through special events.
Best For: A challenging round with scenic views.
Windsor Parke Golf Club
Location: Jacksonville
Why Play Here: A semi-private course known for fast greens and a traditional layout, Windsor Parke is one of the most popular spots for local golfers.
Course Highlights:
- Designed by Arthur Hills, featuring rolling fairways and bunkered greens.
- Frequently hosts local and amateur tournaments.
- Good mix of short and long holes for variety.
Best For: Competitive golfers and tournament-style play.
Blue Sky Golf Club
Location: Arlington, Jacksonville
Why Play Here: One of Jacksonville’s most casual and social golf courses, featuring a fun and relaxed environment with no dress code and lighted practice facilities.
Course Highlights:
- 9-hole and 18-hole options, plus an innovative 6-hole loop for quick play.
- Lighted driving range and putting greens.
- Perfect for beginners, families, and casual golfers.
Best For: New golfers, social play, and relaxed rounds.
Best Time to Golf in Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s warm climate allows for year-round golf, but the best months for playing are:
- Spring (March – May): Ideal temperatures and well-maintained greens.
- Fall (September – November): Fewer crowds and great course conditions.
- Winter (December – February): Mild temperatures, but some courses aerate greens.
Summer golf is possible, but early morning or late afternoon tee times are best to avoid the heat.
Golf Tips for Playing in Jacksonville
- Book early at popular courses. TPC Sawgrass and World Golf Village fill up fast.
- Check for golf packages. Many resorts offer discounted rates for multiple rounds.
- Stay hydrated. Florida’s sun can be strong, even in cooler months.
- Watch for wildlife. Many courses have alligators, birds, and other native species.
Final Thoughts
Jacksonville is a top golf destination, offering a mix of championship-level courses, scenic resort layouts, and budget-friendly public courses. Whether you’re looking to play a PGA Tour course or enjoy a relaxed round with friends, Jacksonville has something for every golfer.
